By Tim Russell, President & Wealth Manager at Life Financial Group
Originally shared on the Life in the Markets podcast — 9/15/2025
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Market Recap: A Positive Week
Last week was overall positive for the markets. The S&P 500 gained 1.4%, the Nasdaq rose 1.9%, and the Russell 2000 ticked up 0.5%. Commodities also saw growth: Gold (+1.6%), Oil (+1%), and Bitcoin (+1%). The standout performer was Silver, up 2.9%. Bonds edged higher at 0.2%.
Mixed Inflation Signals
Two conflicting reports on inflation were released last week.
- Producer Price Index (PPI): Prices unexpectedly declined 0.1% versus the expected 0.3% increase. The PPI is often considered a leading indicator of inflation, as rising producer costs are usually passed on to consumers. This decline was welcomed, as many believe it gives the Federal Reserve (Fed) cover to lower interest rates this week.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): By contrast, the CPI showed consumer prices increased from 2.75% (July) to 2.9% (August), signaling inflationary pressure at the consumer level.
Jobs Data
Weekly jobless claims came in at 263,000 first-time claims, suggesting the economy may be softening.
The Fed This Week
With PPI, CPI, and jobs data as context, the Federal Reserve meets this week and is widely expected to lower the Federal Funds Rate. As of last night, markets priced in a 96% chance of a 0.25% rate cut.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver remarks Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. following the meeting.
Why the Rate Cut Matters for Investors
- Savings: HYSA, CD, and money market rates will likely drop about a quarter of a percent.
- Borrowing: Loans tied to Prime or LIBOR could see slight rate declines.
- Markets: Cheaper borrowing often spurs investment and risk-taking, typically boosting stock markets.
Reflections on Charlie Kirk’s Life and Death
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has hit hard here at The Life Group. Each of us has been grieving in our own way. Thursday morning was a somber time here at the office. We’ve shared on our sign and on social media a tweet from Charlie. “Jesus defeated death so you can live.” Charlie would want you to know that life is yours in Christ Jesus if you will only turn to him in repentance. Claim him as your Lord and savior. You can have the peace that Charlie knew. The confidence in his relationship with Jesus Christ fueled his boldness to share the truth and challenge the twisted culture of our generation. I praise God for Charlie.
Wednesday morning, before the horrible event, we had our weekly staff devos and were looking at Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (ESV) I commented on this verse that we often see the cross as the highest demonstration of God’s Love for us. After all, God sacrificed His son FOR US!!! This is a beautiful truth. Yet there is another side to the cross. I told my team that the cross is also the highest demonstration of the HATE of God. Yes, you heard me right, HATE. We don’t like to think about such things, but God hates sin and evil. After all, he SACRIFICED HIS SON for us. He did that because sin is such a hated thing. On the Cross, Jesus bearing all our sins became the center point of the hate and fury of God because he bore our sins.
God was not asleep at the wheel on Wednesday. Charlie’s death was not an accident. It was horrible and evil, but also part of God’s good plan for this world. Think of the Cross for a moment. Jesus died at the hands of Lawless, evil men. Yet it was all part of God’s good plan for salvation. As I sit back and watch the world grapple with the life and death of Charlie, I’m encouraged to see so many turning in faith to God. I’m encouraged to see how evident the brokenness of the woke ideology has become to everyone. Charlie may have died, but I need you to know, Jesus is winning! Good Friday was a dark day from the viewpoint of his disciples, but that is because they could not imagine the Glory of Monday. Charlie is gone. He’s not coming back. But God will use (is using) his life and death to reach the world with more power than any of us could have imagined.
Pray with me for the Kirk family. Pray for Turning Point USA. Pray for national repentance and awakening. Pray for Global reconciliation and renewal. Pray that every knee will bow to King Jesus.
If this all sounds crazy to you, I would share with you the same thing that Charlie shared dozens of times. Jesus is calling you to repentance and to live. Turn to him and be saved! Repent of your sins and follow Jesus. If you want to talk with someone about this, you can call my office and I, or one of my team members would gladly share the gospel message with you. Don’t waste this tragedy. Turn to Christ!
You may be sitting there thinking that my life is never going to matter like Charlie’s life. I would encourage you with this truth. In Christ, your life has infinite worth and value. Because Jesus has already won, you have won! Now, GO! Live in that victory. Live boldly. Live bravely. If called upon, lay down your life for the King.
A Devotional Reflection
On Wednesday morning, before the tragedy, our staff devotion was on Romans 8:32 (ESV):
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
We often see the Cross as the highest demonstration of God’s love. And it is. Yet the Cross also shows the depth of God’s hatred of sin. Jesus bore our sins on the Cross and endured God’s holy judgment.
Charlie’s death, while horrible and evil, was not outside of God’s plan—just as the Cross was not outside His plan. Evil men crucified Jesus, yet it was all part of God’s good plan for salvation. In the same way, God will use Charlie’s life and death to magnify His glory. Even in tragedy, Jesus is winning.
A Call to Prayer
- Pray for the Kirk family.
- Pray for Turning Point USA.
- Pray for national repentance and awakening.
- Pray for global reconciliation and renewal.
- Pray that every knee will bow to King Jesus.
A Call to Action
If this message sounds strange to you, I echo what Charlie often said: Jesus is calling you to repentance and life. Turn to Him and be saved. Repent of your sins and follow Jesus. If you’d like to talk with someone about this, you can call my office—my team and I would be honored to share the gospel with you.
Don’t waste this tragedy. Turn to Christ!
You may wonder if your life could ever matter like Charlie’s. Let me encourage you: in Christ, your life has infinite worth and value. Because Jesus has already won, you have won.
So, live in that victory. Live boldly. Live bravely. And if called upon, lay down your life for the King.
Verse of the Week
Romans 8:28 (ESV):
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
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Disclaimer: The topics discussed here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute specific investment advice. Investing involves risks, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Securities and advisory services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, member FINRA/SIPC.
